Baseball Prospectus - Chat with Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects

Chat: Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects

Welcome to Baseball Prospectus' Monday January 27, 2014 1:00 PM ET chat session with Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects.

Jason answers all your questions about BP's Top 101 prospects of 2014.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: "ugene Allen "Gene" Hackman[1] (born January 30, 1930) is a retired American actor and novelist. In a career that spanned five decades, Hackman has been nominated for five Academy Awards, winning two, including best actor in The French Connection. In addition Hackman has also won three Golden Globes and two BAFTAs. He first came to fame in 1967 with his performance as Buck Barrow in Bonnie and Clyde. " I have the flu but my #want is extreme. Let's do it.

Kevin O'B (Chicago): You have C.J. Edwards much lower than other evaluators. Would success at AA this year change your opinion of him or is improving the frame the only thing he can do to make you rethink?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Fastball command and durability are the concerns. I'm not scouting his stats, so I care about the why/how than the what. If he can log a full-season's worth of innings without losing his stuff, I';; definitely change my current stance. I'm never married to any prognostication. You have to be willing to change your mind if the scouting changes it for you.

chopper (indy): What is the realistic ETA for Soler in Wrigley as well as his offensive ceiling?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: 2015. 30 bombs is possible, but I don't see him hitting for a high average. He has a lot of work to do to reach his ceiling.

Diesel304 (Oklahoma): What do you see as the ceiling for Alex "Chi Chi" Gonzalez?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: 2/3 starter; most likely a 3

Chewy (Ny): How good is alex meyer

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Very good. Nasty stuff and nasty length. In either role, he's an impact arm.

JoJo (SD): I'm not trying to be snarky but genuinely curious about the process regarding ranking Giolito that high when he had a small sample size of 36.2 ip in 2013. How much is his pedigree established in prior years weighed in the rank? Does your team have access to observe side sessions/non-game work? Do you simply not need a larger sample when the stuff and the opinions of those you trust are so strong? Thanks.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: In Giolito's case, I'm not looking at the results. In 2013, I wanted to see signs that the pre surgery stuff had returned. A healthy Giolito is a frontline prospect, a pitcher with an excellent combination of size, present strength, two pitches that project to the elite level, and a third that shows above-average projection. Once the command returns, I expect Giolito to step forward as one of the premier arms in the minors, a rare number one starter in the making. For me, that ceiling warrants high praise despite limited professional experience.

Tim Bograckos (Jamestown, NY): I think you're selling Austin Meadows hit/power tools a little short. Kid impressed the heck out of us locals late last summer. Why should I temper my expectations and align with your analysis?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: When I've put eyes on Meadows, I've been impressed with his athleticism and physical profile, but his plan at the plate and swing never did much for me. I get the short-season results, and I'm not discounting production. But I don't see a CF profile from Meadows, and I don't see Frazier-like bat speed either, so the profile is a little light for me. He's still a top 101 player in a very loaded talent class, so its not like I'm suggesting he's a bust or a fringe-prospect.

Suge Knight (Virginia): How close was Edwin Diaz to your list? I know you are high on him.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Very close. Easy case for inclusion in the back-half of the list.

Chris (Boston): Surprised to see Wilmer Flores on the list. Doubly surprised to see him in the positional splits as a shortstop. What do you expect of him this season? Thanks.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Not at shortstop. I think the bat is real. Not crazy but he can hit. It looks a lot better if he can make 2B work. Not as sexy if he's just a 1B.

Ryan (Chicago): You tweeted last week that "based on recent conversations w/industry sources...Baez has a case to be ranked #1". Can you elaborate?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: It was put to me this way, which helped tun the light on a bit (even though we've been high on him and I've seen him play before): Baez could end a 40 HR shortstop. That's his ceiling. That's actually a possibility. Likely? Not sure. But its possible. How many prospects in baseball can make such a claim? That's a truly elite ceiling. That's a generational talent. That's why he has a case for #1.

Biscuits (San Jose State): Does Kyle Zimmer have a what it takes to be this years Michael Wacha?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Perhaps. I like Zimmer. I think the FB is more hittable than your average power arm, and I'm not sold on the CH yet. But his breaking ball can break a lot of hearts at the plate, so he should be able to miss a lot of bats. Unlike most power arms, he is going to need sharper command to survive because the pitch is true and hitters seems to pick it up early.

izzy2112 (New York): How close was Rafael Montero to making the list?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Was on an initial draft. Like 25 other prospects, he has a case for inclusion on the back-half of the list.

Darren Charles (Oshkosh, WI): The kid from Hawaii, Kolten Wong, is he truly a SB threat? Seems like his run tool is a bit overblown. I see him hitting .310 in the majors but doubt he goes about 10-12 SB's.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: If he hits .310, I wouldn't worry too much about the stolen base totals. I think he can run and has good instincts, so I think he can swipe some bags at the highest level.

jalonzo (nyc): How close was Marco Gonzales?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Close. Very close.

Alex (Anaheim): What do you think Mondesi's ceiling is as far as power goes?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I don't see a lot of power in his swing; maybe fringe average at best. His game is built on his defensive profile, his speed, and his contact ability.

dcapofari (NY): tapia was ranked 10th in the rockies org by BA, I love that you don't play it safe and have some balls. What stands out to you about him?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: He has well above average bat speed and almost preternatural hand/eye coordination. He needs to add strength and continue to turn those raw physical tools into on the field baseball skills. But he's going to hit, he can run, he can play CF, and he's a high-energy high makeup type. It's a very nice profile.

Kyle (New Jersey): Who's the Ranger most likely to crack the top 25 next year, if any? Odor? Alfaro?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Alfaro could crack the top 10

YP (Houston): I'm a bit surprised not to see both Vincent Velasquez and Lance McCullers off this list? Both had pretty good years and are expected to get better. Domingo Santana also should have a case as well. What made you not have them on the list?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Other players offered a more convincing case.

JakeDev (Washington, DC): What was the biggest reason for Sano's precipitous drop in the rankings? Was it his UCL sprain?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: He was 6th on the mid-season list, and fell a bit because of struggles against AA arms. I think his fall has more to do with the rise of others than anything else.

Gary (St Pete): Sean Manaea will shoot up the list by seasons end. True or false. please explain your theory

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: True. He's healthy and nasty.

Jim (Tampa): Hi Jason, How your doing well. I like to know where do you see Eddie Butler ceiling and what the pitch that made him move up so quickly?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: #2 starter; multiple fastball looks; incredible movement and velocity; changeup is pitch that really pushed him ahead. He has three plus pitches (two of which grade close to 70 (or above). Underrated arm.

tonynelson19 (MN): I'm surprised to see Phillip Ervin ranked almost 30 spots higher than Austin Meadows considering their relatively similar profiles. I always thought Meadows would rate higher, with louder tools and more projection. Any insight into what caused the separation?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I like Ervin more; better chance to stay up the middle; plus runner with plus arm; better bat speed. Just needs to stay healthy.

Chad (Prospectville, USA): Does Chris Owings have the defensive chops to be a first-division regular at 2B/SS?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Yes. Underrated on defense.

ZiggyPlayedGuitar (Oakland, CA): ROY candidates?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Yordano Ventura in the AL; Wong or Hamilton in the NL

Danny (Wisconsin): You think Kris Bryant makes the bigs this year?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I do.

Chad (Prospectville, USA): Hype aside, is there really that much difference between Kevin Gausman and Tajuan Walker?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Not a ton. Walker is an athletic freak and I love the way his arm works. Gausman has the better CH; Walker has the delicious CT; not sold on either of their breaking balls yet, but they will find a way to make them work. Both are frontline arms.

Joecatz (Naples): No JP Crawford love?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: He wasn't on the list, but he has a case based on his overall profile and likelihood of sticking up the middle. Not sold on the bat, but others have tried to convince me to get onboard.

imthagreatest (Colorado): Does Adam walker have a shot at mid season top 50?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I don't think so. But he can hit for power. Needs to refine his approach or better arms will exploit him.

LivingInAJar (Texas): Higher ceiling Folty or Vince Velasquez?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Folty. He throws 100

Garin Cecchini (Pawtucket): How big will your #rig be when I develop power?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I don't see a ton of power, but if you can turn your doubles into homers, say a .280+ hitter with good on-base skills and 25+ bombs....you will be a first-division talent, regardless of where you end up defensively.

rafaelnieves (58th Floor): If Polanco goes out and destroys AAA pitching from April until June, does that change your feeling about his bat?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Production in the upper minors can't be overlooked, but other factors will be looked at as well. I don't just scout the stat lines.

Roy Munson (1978 Iowa state bowling champ): What the most likey outcome for Gary Sanchez in your opinion? Does a move to first seem inevitable, or is his defensive good enough that he could split time with Mccan between catcher and DH down the road?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: 1B seems likely. Power should play.

Karl Marx (Ottawa): I know he's not a top 101 guy, but where would Taylor Lindsey slot in if you were to expand the list to 200 or so names? Thanks.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: 125-150 sounds right.

Rob (Baltimore): What are your thoughts on MLB.com's ranking of Kevin Gausman at 31? Do you think it has to do with his struggles last year at the pro level?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I assume. He has work to do, and his exposure to the major league level showed that, especially when it comes to FB command and breaking ball utility. But the profile is still a frontline starter, and its not like he's a veteran carving up the upper minors; he's still very young and needs more refinement. He's going to be very good.

Willigan (Montana): How close was Guerrierri? Is it more the injury or makeup concerns that keeps him off the list?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Injury pushed him down; makeup reports pushed him off.

Jason (Boston): Was Mookie Betts exclusion based on a lack of track record? If he puts up similar numbers again this year in AA, does that put in the Top 25-50 for you?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Top 25 seems highly unlikely. But if the bat continues to develop, yes, he will jump up the list. It's a right-side profile, so he's only going to rise so high before the reality of his profile limits him.

Matt (Chicago): With guys like Butler, do you worry about the effect of Coors indoctrination on their development?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: The movement on his pitches (fastball) should help him in Coors, same with Gray. But I do worry about most arms in that environment.

Dan Vogelbach (Mashville): I'm basically Matt Stairs, right?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: What if you are Prince Fielder with a little less game power?

Shawnykid23 (CT): Are some of the sources BP, MLB, Baseball America use the same, or does each entity use their own contacts which are largely different?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I can't speak for other outlets, but we put a heavy emphasis on our own eyewitness accounts. But I have contacts in every organization in baseball, from general managers, to heads of player development, to scouts of every distinction. For us, it all starts with what WE see in person and then gets supported by industry sources.

Steve (KC): Judging by your ranking, I'm assuming you expect Ventura to remain a starter. Have heard others say he's possibly destined for the bullpen due to his size and the strain a starters workload would put on his body. Personally, I hope your right, but out of curiosity, what do you see in him that makes you think that won't be an issue?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Hell, I've said that I think he's destined for the bullpen because of his size. And I guess that will be the case until he logs 200 innings without injury or arsenal regression. But I've seen enough of him to know that his arm is very special, and his ability to hold his velocity deep into games makes starting a very real possibility. We all know about his fastball, and he can flash that well above-average curve. But we haven't seen the best of his CH yet, a pitch that several sources think will end up playing well above-average, mostly because his fastball is such an elite pitch. If he can stay steady with the arm and the delivery, he's the total package in a rotation and could be ready to explode in 2014.

benjamingh (IA): I was intrigued by Alexander Reyes at No. 98 on the BP top 101 list since I can't remember seeing much analysis of him on the site. What prompted his inclusion?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: He's a badass with a loose arm, great body, highly projectable arsenal that could include two 70 grade pitches and a 60 CH.

Kauffman (New Jersey): Any thoughts about Chicago's Tim Anderson?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Barely missed the list. I really like. He's a stud athlete with a lot of power in the bat. Its a little rough at SS right now, which is why you will hear whispers of a move to CF. But give him time to refine. He could climb the list in a major way in 2014.

EricJ (SF): Giants only have one name on the list, are they a system on the rise or just muddling along?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: They are very talent rich when it comes to arms with mid/back rotation projections but aside from Crick, most lack frontline futures. Mejia almost made the list. I wouldn't be surprised if he bites me on the ass in 2014. He can pitch.

Zack1995 (Ottawa): The French Connection,The conversation or Mississippi Burning?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: The Conversation. #Cazale

wes (Dallas): Alfaro's hit tool seemed to really play up during the AFL. Was this just small sample size - or did you get reports that he was making real advances in that regard. Is he ready for the AA test?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: The hit tool and his glove behind the plate (at preset) are his biggest weaknesses. He's a really good fastball hitter, but he struggles against more advanced breaking stuff. He's going to struggle at AA, but I think he needs the challenge in order to grow.

bulls2327 (Burlington, On): who has the better career, Correa or Sano?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Tough question. Sano has a chance of having a very loud career. People love bombs. Correa is the better all-around player and could blossom to equal or better heights than Sano can offer. I'm going to say Correa.

nik (Philly): What are you concerns with Biddle being ranked so low?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Fastball command and secondary stuff that is more solid-average than special.

JusitnG (Pittsburgh): I assume Luis Heredia's ceiling has dropped to the point of not being really in the top 101 conversation. Or was he in the conversation?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: He wasn't in the conversation.

Babs (Cleveland): Is Trevor Bauer not being on the list the product of him pitching in the majors since 2012 (despite still having rookie status), or has he fallen from grace THAT hard?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Maybe both? I'm not a big fan of Bauer.

John (Mass.): Say something negative about Xander Bogaerts (as a player. Not something like "he tips poorly at restaurants).

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: He doesn't play in a city where I can see him 80 times a year for the next decade.

JJ (MPLS): Nice to see Miguel Almonte crack the top 50 ... Future #2?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: 2/3. Very real stuff; very real feel.

Kodi (Vermont ): How close was Dan Norris?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Should have been on the list. Late cut. I really like him.

Chad (Akron, OH): Gut feeling on Billy Hamilton? Vince Coleman or Dee Gordon?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Vince Coleman

Ryan (Milwaukee): Brewers prospect most likely to be on this list next year? Someone currently in the system, or more likely the #12 pick?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Tyrone Taylor had a very good case this year.

rangerfans2 (Fort Worth): Three Years from now who is considered the best SS? Baez, Xander or Russell?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Baez

Lance Rinker (Dallas, TX): Who do you expect to make more of an impact for their team this season; Taijuan Walker or Kevin Gausman?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Both pitchers are going to impact their team, but I'll pick Walker.

Mike (Nashville): Your ranking of Almora's defense as a 6 seems lower than some of the others. What holds him back from a 7 defensively for you?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: He is barely an average runner and could settle in below-average as he continues to fill out. The instincts are top of the scale, which allows his fringe speed to play up with excellent reads and routes to the ball. But you can't discount his lack of recovery speed and how that limits his overall profile at the position, despite the instincts. He's still projected to be plus, which isn't exactly a bad grade.

Bryan Robinson (Ontario): Would you suggest that there is more talent, in general, in the minor leagues today than in previous years?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Seems that way, doesn't it? I wouldn't be surprised if we look back at this crop and find several major league all-stars, and possibly even a few MVP types from the top 10.

Adam (TN): What is Oscar Taveras's ceiling in terms of stat line production?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: .315/.380/.550 with 30+ bombs and a killer smile

Sean (DC): Based on the tools list it looks like most of top ranked shortstops have higher tool grades than Xander Bogaerts, why then is he ranked the highest? is it just cause his tools played at major league level already?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Polish and present skills. Very low risk.

Carl (Canada ): True or False. Tirado has the highest ceiling of the Jays arms.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I'm tempted to say true, but the Jays are absolutely lousy with high ceiling arms. You can make a case for several in the high ceiling category. But Tirado has a very good case for that distinction.

Spirou (Montreal): What are the odds of Clint Frazier making the overall top 10 prospect list next year ?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: It's quite possible.

Amin (Bay Area): Kyle Crick, closer or starter in the long run?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Gut says closer.

japem (Earth): Which prospect that didn't make the list has the highest upside?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Luiz Gohara has a case for highest ceiling that didn't make the list.

Jim (Santa Cruz): music for the mood?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I've been listening to Mud lately. Lovely 70s glam/doo wop. Check them out. The Very Best of Mud is a great record.

Joe (Washington): Which five players have the highest ceilings on this list?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Buxton, Baez, Bogaerts, Giolito, Gray (no order)

Matt (Springfield): Interested about A. Reyes' backstory. So he's from NJ, moved out of the country, and got signed as an international FA? Any reason more kids don't go that route?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I'm pissed that I didn't go that route.

Norman (San Jose): if you were a betting man, which position player would you bet on to rocket up the list?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: David Dahl

Norman (San Jose): if you were a betting man, which position player would you bet on to rocket up the list?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: David Dahl

Wade (Road House bar): A few prospects that blow up the rankings next year.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Alex Reyes, David Dahl, Francisco Mejia ,Jose Martinez, Luiz Gohara, Edwin Diaz, Jorge Alfaro, Reese McGuire, Jose Ortiz

John (Boston): Surprised to see Owings that high,what kind of career do you think he'll have???? Thanks,John

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I'm a big fan of Owings. He can really play baseball; nice stick and better defensive chops than you might think. Michael Young-type.

jjgcentineo (Chicago): If all of the top 5 shortstops in your rankings were to reach their ceilings, who would be the best overall player?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Baez. No question.

JoJo (SD): What odds do you give Maikel Franco of sticking at 3b? I heard he is already going to get time at 1b this season.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Not the biggest fan of his profile at 3B; mostly because his body is sloppy. He can rip baseballs, but I worry about his approach against secondary stuff; deep, elevated hand load and he struggles with plate coverage. Great hand/eye and excellent bat speed, but major league pitching could really trip him up.

Niles (Levelland, TX): Can you please tell us something about Taillon over Appel?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I like Taillon more; well above-average FB/CB combo; pitches with balls. Appel is going to move fast and develop into a quality 2/3 type; Taillon is likely to do the same but has already found success in upper minors.

DH (Pittsburgh): What do you see in Lucas Sims that others don't yet see? Do you suppose he's got a mid-2016 ETA?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Not sure. His profile seems pretty clear to me: easy 91-95 FB with movement; hammer CB; feel for above-average CH; smooth delivery; athletic. Matt Cain isn't a far off comp. I think he has a chance to be very good.

RaarHonkbal (TN): What are your thoughts re: Jose Peraza? Could he be a top 101 guy in the future?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: yes. Was in the mix this year. I'm high on him.

SlickRick (NYC): Surprised no Rosell Herrera! esp slotting Tapia ahead of him�

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Herrera is a good example of stat line scouting. He doesn't profile at SS; more of a super utility type in CF and left-side infield. Very valuable player to an org, but I'll take the guy with the loud tools and high impact upside.

Joe Random (San jose): will brett sayre be doing a top 101 fantasy prospects?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Yes. Always an excellent read.

Justin (Asheville): What are some of the teams with the strongest group of players outside of the top 101?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Astros, Twins, Rangers, and Jays, just to name a few.

organizedfamine (Imagination Land): Enough praise. What are the worst five farm systems in baseball right now?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I haven't finished the org rankings yet, but I'll take a guess: Angels, Tigers, Brewers, A's, Yankees

Gotribe31 (DC): If you had to guess, will Francisco Mejia be on the 2015 version of this list?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Yes. He has the talent to make that happen. We are very high on him.

Jason (WI): Do front office members ever contact you and ask to you pull back? ie...I would think Cubs front office is a little worried about the expectations you are setting for Baez.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: It's happened before; not with Cubs. But I don't work for teams, I work for Baseball Prospectus. I'll listen to any/all concerns they might have with evaluations or rankings, but one of the key reasons we construct the lists from outside sources if the world of manipulation that is possible when you use team sources to formulate your list. That said, most teams seem very open and honest when it comes to their players. They don't want to encourage misinformation. I think there is a tendency to blow certain players up over others, which is why I prefer to see prospects in person so I can call bullshit if necessary.

Bucky (Dallas): How do you think Profar would fare at 3b once Odor is ready at 2b?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Both players could handle 3B. But I don't think you move Profar to accommodate Odor. If anything, you move Elvis in order to put Profar at SS.

Logan (Arlington): Say Buckel gets back to form, is he in conversation for top 101?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: I wasn't that high on him to begin with.

Aaron (Denver): Do prospects ever come up and ask "what the hell?" after rankings come out?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Not really. I'm not trying to make friends with players. I know some, and it helps when you are really trying to pinpoint makeup, etc. But I try to remain as objective as possible.

Frank (Boston): Ventura over Bogaerts for ROY? Does that mean you think Bogaerts will struggle in his first full MLB season? An everyday SS who can hit for a (likely) playoff team would seem to have a strong case for the award.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Its just a preference. My pick of Ventura speaks to my belief in his skills, not my disbelief in other players.

Francisco Lindor (Akron): It's flattering, really, but the flowers are too much. Thank you for the baked ziti though, it was delicious.

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Everybody likes pretty things

dcapofari (ny): buxton ETA?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Late 2014/early 2015

buckb2 (Huntsville ): Which pitching prospects have a shot at being true #1 starters?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Giolito has the highest ceiling, along with Gray. Not ruling out Gausman or Walker or Bradley either.

Skid22 (New York): Hi Jason, can you give us some brief thoughts on Henry Owens

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Excellent size; lanky frame; solid-avg FB that can work in the 89-93 range; touches a little higher; CH is solid-average to plus; some sources see it grading out even higher (65/70 range); CB is fringe but flashes above-average because of the shape and occasional depth. I see more of a #4 type, but one that should pitch in a rotation for a long time, with occasional spike seasons where his stuff plays higher than his scouting distinction. I don't think he's a frontline arm.

mike (st. louis): Nobody talks about their feelings on Reese Mcguire on any site. What kind of player are we looking at?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: A dual-threat catcher with plus arm/receiving skills and the chance to offer something at the plate. We are ranking him #4 in a loaded Pirates system. I really like him.

Ethan Spalding (Madison, Wi): Matt Davidson was traded between when the White Sox and Diamondbacks lists went up, and thus has no recent scouting report available. Will one be made for him before the season starts?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Yes. A full report will be featured in the 2014 Futures Guide, which should be available before March.

David (Minneapolis): Assuming they all make it, who's the Twins ace in 2018: Meyer, Kohl, or Thorpe?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Stewart

Tony (Work): Always the BP 101? Or someday larger, like the 199?

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Always the 101

Jason Parks on the Top 101 Prospects: Apologies for the short chat. I have a lot of media spots today, and I'm trying to finish the Brewers team list. I really appreciate all the questions. With each chat, we break the record for most questions asked. Your #want has no limit. Its appreciated. If you have questions specific to the 101, please ask them on the BP article and I will make sure I get to most/all of them as soon as I can. Many thanks